Monitoring Diabetes Mellitus with HBA1C: The Abakaliki, Nigeria Experience

Abstract

Glycated hemoglobin (HBA₁C) is a known and reliable method of having a window retrospectively of how glycemic control has been in the recent past (6-8weeks). This test is not routinely done in many parts of Nigeria. There are many diabetics patients being managed and there is every need to look into the effectiveness of the management hence the need for this study. The study involved patients attending the diabetic clinic at the Stae teaching hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria in 2009. The mean level of HBA₁C for males and females were within the set limits by the American Diabetic Association(ADA) for diabetics under control. The mean value for the control population is also within the normal limits with those of females being closer to the upper limit for normal. There is need for routine check of HBA₁C to assure the quality of diabetic control and prevent the dreaded complications of diabetes mellitus.